Youth Volunteers

Involving youth in the Habitat Mission…

Why the Age Restrictions?

Many people wonder why there is an age restriction for youth volunteers on the work site. It’s important to note that this is a hard and fast policy implemented by Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), incorporating US Child Labor Laws and above all, with a concern for safety. According to HFHI, “In recognition of the federal labor laws regarding children and the potential risk to children’s safety on an affiliate construction site, HFHI policy states that no one under the age of 16 should be allowed on a construction site while construction is taking place.” Our affiliate takes safety very seriously, but we also realize that our youths are enthusiastic, capable, and committed, and for that reason, we have a list of opportunities for volunteers of all ages on this page.

Advocating and Fundraising

One of the best ways that our young and enthusiastic volunteers can give back is to advocate for RVHFH and for affordable housing. We believe that if our younger supporters better understand poverty, income disparities, housing costs, and how RVHFH helps people achieve the dream of home ownership, then they will become life long volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. By learning about all of these issues, combined with understanding the mission of Habitat, young volunteers can communicate the need for affordable housing and advocate for the organization through fundraising and education events.

How old are you?

Volunteer Opportunities for Youth Age 16+

Habitat Youth: The Habitat Youth program includes students from high schools spanning Hunterdon and Somerset Counties who have joined together to advance the Habitat mission by helping to sponsor and build a Habitat house. Students from Bridgewater-Raritan, Hillsborough, Hunterdon Central, North Hunterdon, Pingry, Ridge, and Somerville high schools, among others, have dedicated their time and efforts to helping Habitat build homes for hard-working families. Students from each high school send representatives to meetings of the Habitat Youth Council, which coordinates build days, fundraising efforts, and awareness-building activities. More high schools are welcome! Habitat Youth Council meets monthly on Sunday afternoons at 1 PM. All are invited!

Construction Volunteer (16 years and older):

Individuals:2-4 spots are reserved for individual volunteers for Saturday work crews. Youth ages 16-17 can spend a day on-site helping to build a Habitat house. Please note that an adult sponsor must accompany every two youths on site. Additional ways to work onsite: check your church or religious organization who may already be working with RVHFH.

Groups:Your club, school organization, or other interested group can spend a day on site building a Habitat house. Up to 15 people can be accommodated per site, per day (8:30 AM-3:30 PM), with one adult required per 4 youths. Please note that by law, the minimum age to work on site is 16. The Workday program is a unique opportunity for your group to give back to the community in a tangible way, helping to build a home for a family in need.

Site Host (16 years and older): Greet the construction volunteers early Saturday morning at the work site and gather contact information from them. Stay on to help build if you want (age 16+ only). Minimal time commitment, 1½ – 2 hours on the weekend, 3 or more times a year. It’s a great way to meet our partner families and site supervisors and see the houses from start to finish!

How do I get started?

Complete your Youth Volunteer Application today, and submit it via fax (908-704-1532) or email to volmgr@rvhabitat.org or regular mail (PO Box 6275 Bridgewater, NJ 08807) , and we’ll be sure to get the process rolling, contact us at (908) 704-0016.

Volunteer Opportunities for Youth Age 14 -15

Habitat Youth: The Habitat Youth program includes students from high schools spanning Hunterdon and Somerset Counties who have joined together to advance the Habitat mission by helping to sponsor and build a Habitat house Students from Bridgewater-Raritan, Hillsborough, Hunterdon Central, Pingry, Ridge, and Somerville high schools, among others, have dedicated their time and efforts to helping Habitat build homes for hard working families. Students from each high school send representatives to meetings of the Habitat Youth Council, which coordinates build days, fundraising efforts, and awareness-building activities. More high schools are welcome! Habitat Youth Council meets monthly on Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

Women Build Helper (any age): This is a great project for a Scout Troop or Youth Group to provide food and beverages on Women Build Days. Volunteers are asked to provide either goodies for breakfast, a full lunch, or just dessert for a Women Build workday. Youth and their leaders make the food or get donations from businesses and deliver to the work site on special Women Build Saturdays. To get involved, contact our Women Build Coordinator, Linda Bradway.

Provide refreshments for a Site or Home Dedication Ceremony, special community celebrations for the dedication of a construction site and completed home. To get involved, contact rvhfh@rvhabitat.org

How do I get started?

Women Build Helper (any age): This is a great project for a Scout Troop or Youth Group to provide food and beverages on Women Build Days. Volunteers are asked to provide either goodies for breakfast, a full lunch, or just dessert for a Women Build workday. Youth and their leaders make the food or get donations from businesses and deliver to the work site on special Women Build Saturdays. To get involved, contact marketing@rvhabitat.org

Provide refreshments for a Site or Home Dedication Ceremony, special community celebrations for the dedication of a construction site and completed home. To get involved, contact rvhfh@rvhabitat.org